Complaining about smoking, weight gain and dogs

[pyramidhead138]

Do NOT take Abilify. This drug causes extreme weight gain--approx. 7 pounds per month. And the weight gain DOES NOT level off over time. The akathesia (inner restlessness) is HORRIBLE. Being still is nearly impossible, even when I'm exhausted. Abilify also causes insomnia, joint pain and stiffness as well as hair loss. If anyone tells you there is no or very little weight gain with tihis drug, don't believe it. Diet and exercise won't solve the weight gain problem either. BEWARE!"

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@pyramidhead138 Yeah I had the akathisia really badly on Abilify.

[girococo]

you always gain weight when starting medication but with constant use it eases... i cut sugars and fried carbs...only drink water with lemon and no sugar instead of juices or sodas

[rarimapirate9]

Nicole I am just really happy you are back on youtube doing videos :) They really help a lot of people out so thank you. Puppy sounds like he's going to be a big boy, but dogs are worth it just got to put up with some shit :) About the smoking, what about getting a hookah. I think it's supposed to be much better for you than cigarettes, definitely more social. Good to see you laughing though and the weight c'est la vie, everybody thinks you look really good so it can't be too bad haha

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@rarimapirate9 Thanks, yes the puppy is such a handful! But I'm sure she will be better when she grows up a bit. A hookah, that is actually kinda funny. Haha.

[jojocookies1269]

Puppies can make you nuts! I have requested video. People often say that bipolar is hereditary. Do you have any family members that you are aware of who are diagnosed or who you think might be bipolar? Thanks.

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@jojocookies1269 Well my grandfather had schizophrenia, my mom suffers from depression as well as my brother so I do have people that deal with mental health issues in my family.

[MortgageCami]

Ambilify is the drug that put 20lbs on me, which seemed like over night and I am a small frame as well. So I went from a -0-to a tight 4, I refused to go up another size. I am no longer on any anti psychotic and have managed to get some of the weight off, I'm in a comfortable size 2 but still don't feel like myself....So I know exactly how you feel!

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@MortgageCami In the beginning I hated the weight gain, I felt so fat and yucky. I am used to it now though so I don't really mind it. LOL BUt I wouldn't be complaining if I lost all the weight either...haha

[A08041988]

@MortgageCami Do you mean "abilify"? I was on that medication. I didn't gain weight (I did though on geodon and seroquel). I had trouble swallowing on this medicine and often had a tight feeling in my throat. I also felt tired and just very strange altogether.

[A08041988]

@A08041988 These medicines do have its pros but also its cons. Sometimes I am bad without them, yet can focus better on my academics without them so its a no win situation. Can you relate to what I am tell you at all?

[uilaengel]

Im trying to quit, and my boyfriend is helping me, but its so hard. and sometimes there are days i dont eel like smoking but i do it anyway, is one of my main ways to cope with the anxiety. and when i am in a depression crisis i chain smoke.

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@uilaengel I know, quitting is so dang hard, even when I quit I always inevitably start up again and I just wanna kick myself. As of right now I've been off cigarettes for a week so hopefully I can maintain this time around.

[tkathryyn]

@BipolarStateofBeing try ecigarette. It has helped me reduce my smoking and many people testify that it helped them quit. Ecigarette is a small vaporizer that looks like a cigarette. It uses concentrated nicotine but without the other harmful chemicals that is associated with regular cigarettes. Ecigarette does not use flame but uses heat to vaporize the nicotine. Nicotine is not the one that gives cancer, it's the other stuff that does. I used to smoke a pack/day but not anymore.

[crAckZ111]

When the dog bites try yelping loud. Mother dogs do that and I broke 3 dogs that way

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@crAckZ111 I've actually tried that, he doesn't even look up or stop at all.

[SoulsAre4Jesus]

Hi, do you follow a specific diet while on zyprexa or do you just eat what you want? It's good to know that the weight gain has stopped

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@SoulsAre4Jesus I just eat whatever I want. It's weird though because I never eat breakfast and rarely do I eat lunch, I only eat dinner and a few snacks through the day yet I still somehow gained all the weight. I think it changes your metabolism, rather than just making you eat more.

[SoulsAre4Jesus]

Hi, Is zyprexa still causing weight gain

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@SoulsAre4Jesus Not anymore, the weight gain has pretty much leveled off. I think I've gained around 20 lbs total.

[Nibblermojo]

@astroidmist - TOTALLY agree about abilify. It's been a game changer for me.

[Nibblermojo]

You don't need something that's going to add stress. How about enrolling the puppy in am obedience class at petsmart? There ate also businesses that specialize in puppy training that can come to your house.

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@Nibblermojo He's actually doing much better. I think it is because he is learning "NO" finally, as well as the fact that he is getting older.

[bp996959]

I can completely understand your frustration.. i for the first time got a puppy. and im having so much trouble trying to house train her and with my bipolar i feel im just losing my mind... i thought an animal might help me but i think it was a mistake.. only meds and therapy really can make a difference.. also keep us posted on your new med... ive had the same results with similar meds.. and the doctor wont even try Zyprexa on me because of my eating disorder problems.

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@bp996959 Yeah, puppies are definitely a lot of work. I'm sure it will get easier with time though. I talked to my psychiatrist and we decided not to switch meds right now, so I am still on the zyprexa.

[astroidmist]

OMG, You need to get off of Zyprexa. There have been class action lawsuits against the makers of Zyprexa for the weight gain and diabetes that it can cause rapidly. You could try Geodon or Abilify or Latuda or even an older drug like Fluphenazine. Zyprexa is a setup for weight gain. Risperadal is pretty bad too. I refuse to be on Zyprexa. Anyways, maybe get rid of the dog too and eventually you'll quit smoking with less stress. Anyways sorry for your troubles.

[lovebiotech]

Keep going with the puppy, and when he hurts you, even if just a little, yelp like a puppy would. He'll learn more quickly. Also, if you let him bite your hand, then let him bite your ring when he gets too rough, he WON'T bite you again, because it hurts him. lol. I'm very glad to hear that you have found a med that works!

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@lovebiotech I think the hardest thing is trying to teach him not to bite my kids. They are 3 years old and like to run around and I know he sees it as a game, chasing them and biting. Then they start crying and running away even more which just makes it worse!

[lovebiotech]

@BipolarStateofBeing Oh, I see! Yeah, I had a similar problem, and my son was older! The puppy is about 3 years old, now, and my son is 10. I hope everyone starts getting along soon. :)

[AnxietyChick]

Im the same way with the cigs...I wont smoke but then when my husband buys then and leaves them here I always end up smoking them all, also when i see someone else smoking and they offer me one then there I go smoking too. Its literally hell to stop smoking. Btw, I love your videos.

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@AnxietyChick Thanks, I guess I'm not alone with my smoking habits!

[uldiah]

Having a dog that bites around children is not good. Maybe try a different breed?

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@uldiah Perhaps. We are going to give it a few weeks and if it doesn't improve we will probably get rid of him, unfortunately.

[Fashionistafy]

Hey:) I love your videos and blog, they are so helpful. I, as well have experienced weight gain (but with Lithium) and I find that actually cutting out red meat and carbs made me able to lose the weight. It was the only way for me because of the medication.

Ps, you change your look a lot!:O Like, big changes. But, you are so beautiful!!

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@Fashionistafy Aw thank you.

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@waynelivef6 LOL sounds good to me.

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@stillhippie My husband and I both grew up with dogs and have been wanting one for quite awhile. I think the problem may be that I like dogs but puppies, not as much. Obviously all dogs start out as puppies though so you gotta get through that portion first.

[shotgunsmoke]

woman + smoking = sexy!!! 

[updownjunkie]

I'm worried about the kind of dog you have. A pet dog shouldn't be biting hard enough to draw blood, even if it is a puppy. I wouldn't try to switch meds right before a big trip out of town. You never know how it will affect you. As for the smoking you can always switch to ecigarettesi. They give you the nicotine without the tar and poisons and they really do simulate smoking, even though all they put into the air is water vapor. 60% of all mentally ill people smoke.

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@updownjunkie I didn't realize that many were smokers. I think I decided to stay on my meds for now and try to deal with the weight gain. Yes, I am wondering about the biting as well. I'm not sure if it is a puppy thing or if it is this particular dog that has a problem. :/

[makerofjam]

again, completely irrelevant, but the thumbnail for this video is brilliant. and hilarious.

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@makerofjam LOL

[Pedrothealien1]

@stillhippie Not always true . Some times animals ,like children ,are placed in the wrong home . I am an extreme supporter of animals . But ,who really wanted the dog ,is the question ??? Nicholes mental health trumps all other decisions , its a matter of life and death frequently . JS Believe me when I say , i am a total animal lover .

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@xtrizsel Thanks, I am feeling a little better now that I vented. I can imagine how you feel after going cold turkey! I'm sure it will pass eventually, the aggression that is. I think I could handle a full grown dog but I dunno about this puppy business. It is a lot of work...almost like having another child! I did try lithium before, had horrible side effects from it. The zyprexa is the only thing that has really worked well. It sucks because other than the weight gain, I have zero side effects

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@calligraphish Oh thank you, I just cut it. I know I keep waffling back and forth about the meds...I dunno if I should risk trying another med that doesn't work, I just want to be skinny again though!

[Pedrothealien1]

IMO ,Lose the dog Nichole . You have a full plate anyway . 2 children the same age is a challenge . I never smoked so I dont get that part . Your health is your # 1 priority .Without that you can do nothing . I bet most people would agree that you look great at your current weight . Please dont mess with meds that are working . i repeat ,lose the dog IMO . Take care Nichole

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@Pedrothealien1 Thanks for the kind words, sometimes I just feel so fat even though I know I really am not. It's just a tough adjustment. I do need to think about the dog situation...maybe I am just a person who should not have pets.

[Pedrothealien1]

@BipolarStateofBeing I actually really like dogs ,but, they require more work than cats . My life style doesnt lend itself to being home at a certain time. I am a bachelor ,so there would be no one to let the dog in or out . I really like aquariums and they are known for their ability to relax you and lower blood pressure . I rescued my cat from the woods 9 years ago and she is good company . I was in the Air Force , i assume your husband is an officer . I did 6 years . lose the dog.LOL

[TheBlueUFO]

Based purely on watching this one video, I think you are amazing.

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@TheBlueUFO LOL, thanks

[CthulhuChick666]

Have you ever tried a cigarette-quitting helper like Nicorette?

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@CthulhuChick666 No I haven't I always try doing it cold turkey, or weaning myself back from them.

[jessenoemendez]

Hi there,

it will get better, this too shall pass. I know how annoying pet accidents can be. Especially since I am the only one that cleans it up, and my girlfriend works in town and comes home every night.

About the weight, my girlfriend has the same phenom; Except that she is in her middle 40's and beats her self up way too much...

I hope you have a better day tomorrow...

Jesse

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@jessenoemendez Thanks for your supportive words!

[IChoseTheRedPill]

the dog may have been a mistake, you home alone during the week with two children to think about, mistake (just sayin') not that i'm encouraging you to smoke but don't be too hard on yourself regarding the cigarettes, it could be a subconscious coping mechanism, lets face it you're under stress... the weight, well i gained over 50 pounds on one med, i used the atkins diet and lost it all and then some... you do what is right for you, i know you can do it...

take good care

Kensho

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@IChoseTheRedPill Thanks, I was just feeling so blah about it all. I think the dog may have been a mistake, I just may not be a puppy person, I guess we'll see in time. I am determined to quit smoking by our trip (next month) Dunno if I will stay off it though! As for the meds, I just dunno whether I should compromise my stability by trying something else in hopes of losing the weight...ahhh decisions.

[pdp1170]

Bipolar state,

I hear you. I have tried over 14 meds, some of which made me gain weight, two that caused nearly all my hair to fall out, which never came back and only one that worked without adverse reactions, lithium. I have always lived with cats who always go to the litter box on day one, and I could never live without the great support they provide me. My current best friend is Miss Kitka and we do everything together.

Don

[BipolarStateofBeing]

@pdp1170 It can be so much to deal with at times, I just want to scream!